Start with the grade
"Packing-grade plywood" is commercial plywood made for crating and case-making rather than furniture. The choice comes down to how much moisture the case will see in transit:
- MR (Moisture-Resistant, IS 303): the workhorse for general export cases moving by road, rail and dry container. Cost-effective and strong enough for most palletised and boxed cargo.
- BWR (Boiling-Water-Resistant, IS 303): a tougher bond for cases that may sit in humid ports, monsoon transit or longer storage.
- BWP / marine (IS 710): only where the case is genuinely exposed to water or very long sea voyages. It is over-spec (and over-cost) for ordinary dry crating.
Then choose the face
The face veneer affects weight, printing and price:
- Okoume face — light and smooth, so it cuts dead weight (lower volumetric/air-freight cost) and takes stencils and branding cleanly. Favoured for export cases where weight and appearance matter. See Okoume packing plywood and the Okoume vs gurjan guide.
- Hardwood commercial face — the standard, economical face for most cases where weight is not critical.
Match thickness to the load
| Case duty | Typical panel | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light goods, small boxes | Thinner commercial ply | Keeps weight and cost down |
| General machinery, mid-weight | Mid-thickness MR/BWR ply | Balance of strength and weight |
| Heavy / structural cargo | Thicker BWR ply + solid-wood frame | Frame carries load; ply skins and protects |
We confirm the exact thickness and panel layout against your bill of materials at quotation — no need to over-specify.
Don't forget ISPM-15
Plywood and other manufactured panels are generally exempt from ISPM-15 because the manufacturing process already eliminates pests. The solid-wood components — runners, skids and framing — are what must be heat-treated and stamped. We supply finished cases and crates already ISPM-15 compliant. Full detail in do plywood boxes need ISPM-15.
How we quote it
Send your case dimensions, cargo weight and destination port. We recommend the grade, face and thickness, build to your BoM, and quote FOB Cochin — with pre-shipment photos before dispatch. See plywood boxes & crates and plywood pallets.